A plasma chemistry study on global model for argon gas as a propellant to electrostatic gridded ion thruster: accounting the effects of metastable species and implementing new terms in the gas power balance

Electric propulsion optimizes propellant mass and meets new propulsion device demands. These devices adjust satellite orbits and enable long missions. Among various thrusters, electrostatic ones have well-defined physics, simplifying operational parameter optimization. This study developed a global model for an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) cylindrical ion thruster with an output polarized grid system. Argon propellant is injected into the chamber, and ICP plasma is generated by a radiof...